For Alice Vicente, photography is an extension of the way she moves through the world: curious, intuitive, and always awake to the details others may overlook. Her background in fine art shapes everything she creates, lending her work a cinematic calm and a sensitivity to light, landscape and emotion. Across destinations, cultures and atmospheres, she builds narratives that feel lived-in and deeply human. Her images remind couples not only of what unfolded, but of the quiet, irreplaceable moments that shaped the day in ways they only recognise when they see them reflected back. Here, we sit down with Alice to explore the artistry, intuition and storytelling that shape her work.
You have a background in painting, drawing, and ceramics. How do these disciplines shape the way you see and frame a wedding today?
Art as a subject matter teaches us to observe and be totally in tune with our emotions. We learn to see the world quietly and absorb all of the small intricacies that surround us, with intention. I’m a firm believer that everyone knows how to draw, they simply don’t know how to observe.
You’ve photographed weddings from Portugal to St. Tropez, San Francisco and Switzerland. How does a destination, its light, culture, architecture, influence your storytelling?
Arriving in a new destination always brings me excitement and a newfound inspiration. A story is made of a multitude of layers, and being able to incorporate the architecture, the landscape, the culture and all of the nuances that carry a wedding day and the couple, is ultimately what leads to telling a compelling narrative that feels dynamic, cohesive and complete.
Your work has a cinematic stillness to it, almost as if each frame is pulled from a larger film. What guides your approach to capturing “real life” with that sense of artfulness within your work?
It’s hard to put into words something that feels so emotional and intuitive. I believe my sheer curiosity for life in general and the subtle, easily missed details may play a part as I often find myself admiring a small ant while everyone else dismisses my remarks about how impressive I found that little ant to be. Being attentive, staying curious and leading with intuition will propel you forward as inspiration can come from anywhere.
How do you prepare creatively before a wedding, do you storyboard, scout, create mood references, or let the day naturally unfold?
Before each wedding I define one or more specific creative goals for the day and then create a plan to achieve them. This allows me to not only deliver the classics but also explore creatively with confidence. By preparing with intention, I’m not only creating the headspace for my future self to stay present but also let my creativity unfold freely.
You often speak about art living inside the in-between moments. What helps you balance the pace of the day while also giving space for those fleeting, unscripted details?
The pace of the day is exactly what allows for those fleeting, unscripted details to emerge. As the day naturally unfolds there are moments of raw emotion that cannot be replicated. Those irrational instances are what bring beauty and substance into the day and they all happen in front of you quickly. Being present, observing and anticipating are key.
Is there a moment during a wedding day that you find consistently inspiring or revealing?
I believe every wedding carries its own intricacies and revealing moments, each unfolding in a way that is unique to every couple and families. Having the privilege of accompanying their story for one whole day is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Knowing, by the end of the day that I had the honor to be by their side and successfully capture each instant in a way that will make them swoon leaves me feeling inspired and fulfilled beyond measure.
Your work feels both composed and deeply human. How do you guide a couple without pulling them out of the moment?
Respecting their space with moments of silence is what allows them to be present. Guiding them with kindness, by following their timings and raw emotions lets them breathe and just be, without feeling too overwhelmed. Once they show me signs of readiness, I give them one or two gentle cues to bring them confidence without interrupting their connection. Being in front of a camera is deeply vulnerable, so I give them the needed reassurance, making sure they feel natural, grounded and safe. Each couple’s level of comfort in front of the camera is what ultimately defines the level of involvement I have to achieve the most natural results.
What do you hope couples feel when they see themselves through your lens for the first time? And how would you describe the emotional through-line of your imagery — the feeling you aim to leave couples with when they look back years later?
The images should be a testament to both the emotions they lived and all the different layers that make a wedding day, not only the main events, but also the fleeting, unobserved moments that made the wedding uniquely theirs. My hope is that, years from now, their photos become a cherished item of nostalgia, allowing them and their loved ones to relive not only what happened, but how it all felt. Ultimately, I want them to feel overjoyed, excited, utterly in love and inspired
